The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 34th annual survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $48.91, or less than $5.00 per person. This is a 1-cent increase from last year’s average of $48.90.
The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs slightly less than last year, at $20.80 for a 16-pound bird. That’s roughly $1.30 per pound, down 4% from last year. The survey results show that retail turkey prices are the lowest since 2010.
The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.
Although the overall average cost of the meal was about the same this year, there were some price changes for individual items. In addition to turkey, foods that showed slight price declines include cubed bread stuffing and canned pumpkin pie mix. Foods showing modest increases this year included dinner rolls, sweet potatoes and milk. After adjusting for inflation, the cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner is $19.13, down slightly from last year.
Despite the growing popularity of prepared foods, the vast majority of Americans, 92%, celebrate Thanksgiving at home or at a family member’s home and most cook their entire meal at home, according to the survey.
More than 250 volunteer shoppers checked prices at grocery stores in 38 states for this year’s survey. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers are asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.
The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
Western Growers is pleased to announce that Ryan Talley, co-owner and farm manager of Talley Farms, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Talley, who has been committed to agriculture for more than three decades, will serve as chairman for a one-year term, taking over the responsibilities of outgoing chairman, Ron Ratto, president of Ratto Bros., Inc.
“Ryan’s successful tenure at Talley Farms and his significant personal accomplishments make him the ideal choice to be the next Western Growers’ Chairman of the Board of Directors,” said Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif. “With his stellar track record on the board, there is no doubt in my mind that Ryan, along with the rest of the Western Growers Board, is poised to truly lead the organization and the fresh produce industry to even greater heights.”
Talley spearheads Talley Farms, a diversified family-owned farming company and grower- shipper of bell peppers, cilantro, spinach, lettuce, Napa cabbage, avocados, lemons and grapes. His passion for agriculture dates back to 1985 when he first started picking beans at the age of 12, alongside his brother, Todd, and cousin, Brian. Talley earned his bachelor of science in business from Purdue University and subsequently returned to the farm to help write the computer programs Talley Farms currently uses for production, planning, their mechanic ship and the nursery. The farm is committed to supplying consumers with the best and freshest produce that California has to offer, following the company’s vision to strive for “Excellence in Everything.”
“Western Growers has been a staple organization in the agriculture industry for nearly a century, and Talley Farms is proud to have been a part of its legacy since 1970,” said Talley. “I am both eager and honored to embark on this new role as Western Growers’ Chairman of the Board of Directors, working with the rest of the board to further our commitment to the industry.”
Talley was named as 2020 chairman during Western Growers 94th Annual Meeting in Maui, Hawaii. During the meeting, the Board also selected Albert Keck of Hadley Date Gardens as senior vice chairman; Stuart Woolf of Woolf Enterprises as vice chairman; Carol Chandler of Chandler Farms as treasurer; and Vic Smith of JV Smith Companies as secretary.
About Western Growers: Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations, we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.
The World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay recently celebrated its bountiful fall harvest and autumn splendor with the 50th annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. This festive event included a special display of gigantically enormous/heavyweight champion pumpkins, smashing entertainment with four stages of stellar live music, the home-spun Great Pumpkin Parade, boo-tiful harvest-inspired crafts, tasty homestyle foods, premium wines, seasonal craft beer, pumpkin-infused ales, pumpkin-flavored artisanal cocktails, expert pumpkin carver Farmer Mike sculpting monster pumpkins into amazing one-of-a-kind masterpieces, photos with the gargantuan grand champion mega-gourd, pie-eating and costume contests, pumpkin carving for fun, the world’s largest mosaic pumpkin sculpture that measures 12-feet long, 11-feet high and weighs 10,000 pounds by artist Peter Hazel, the Xfinity Take 5 Lounge with giant screen TV, wet and wild waterballerz, ultra thrilling bungee jump, Cornhole game area, Stay Cool Misting Tent, selfies and fun with the delightfully rotund, playful and mischievious Pumpkin Festival mascot “Gourdy”, and the Sunday-only “Made on the Coast” local artists block with art and live music, and the Sunday-only Great Pumpkin Run – 10k, 5k, Half Marathon and Kids’ Fun Run, plus sweet sponsor swag giveaways and samples. Presented by the non-profit Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee which has raised several million dollars for community service organizations and civic improvements in its 50 year history.
The event was preceded by the annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, featuring the World’s Greatest Gourd Growers and their titanic orbs. Organizers offered a hefty, world’s biggest top prize of $7 per pound and $30,000 in total prize money for a new world record entered at Half Moon Bay plus beefed up overall prize money to the Top 20. Two-time Half Moon Bay champion Leonardo Urena’s Goliath (Napa, CA) 2,175-pound mega-gourd obliterated a formidable field of heavyweight contenders in winning the 2019 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off and setting a new California record. As impressive as Urena’s mega-gourd is, it did not exceed the world record – 2,624 pounds set in 2016. With the win, Urena claimed a cash prize of $15,225. The Goliath grand champion mega-gourd, along with the top four heaviest weigh-off pumpkins, were displayed at the Pumpkin Festival.
Agriculture and the science of crop protection materials is too often misunderstood by the public and is under constant attack by extremists in the political arena. As legislation and jurisdiction begins to more commonly ignore sound science in their decision-making, farmers are rightfully concerned about the future of agriculture and what may or may not be in their power to make a difference in protecting their freedom to utilize these valuable tools. Watch this brief interview with Jay Vroom, former CEO of CropLife America as he shares some insights.
In today’s fast paced urban society, there is a serious disconnect between consumers and the source of their food. There is so much public misinformation and misconceptions about agriculture, that it has become more critical for farmers to reach out side of their comfort zone and communities to share the truth about what they do out in the field. International Ag chemical Corporation, BASF has joined farmers with efforts of their own in educating the public about agriculture, as shared in this brief video with BASF representative Paul Rea.
The Western Growers Board of Directors has unanimously selected Dave Puglia as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Puglia will succeed current President and CEO Tom Nassif, who is retiring after 18 years as a forceful and effective leader in the nation’s agriculture industry, on February 1, 2020.
“Fifteen years ago, Dave came to Western Growers with an extraordinary pedigree in California politics, having served in senior roles on statewide political campaigns and in public service in addition to private sector experience,” said Ratto Bros. President and Western Growers Chairman of the Board, Ron Ratto. “Since joining our organization, Dave has demonstrated an unyielding passion for our members, a deep understanding of the issues facing Western agriculture – water policy, in particular – and an unrivaled capacity for leading our association and industry into the next decade and beyond.”
“Outgoing President & CEO Tom Nassif”
“Words are not adequate to express how deeply honored I am to be entrusted with this great opportunity and responsibility,” stated Puglia. “The people of this industry welcomed me into their hearts from the first day on the job, rain or shine. As their advocate, I am as energized and optimistic as ever about the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
The Western Growers Board of Directors engaged in an extensive nationwide search to ensure that Western Growers’ leadership in federal and state public policy would carry forward and grow while continuing to provide innovative business services to the association’s members. The Western Growers Family of Companies is built on the strength of 445 dedicated employees providing expert advocacy and services across multiple business lines.
“The mentoring and support I have received from Tom Nassif and so many current and past directors has been amazing,” continued Puglia. “My talented and dedicated Western Growers colleagues have also helped propel me on this journey, and there is no better professional staff in the entire agriculture industry. We are ready to go.”
Puglia will inherit an association that experienced a renaissance under Nassif’s leadership. Over the course of nearly two decades, Nassif elevated the national prominence of Western Growers and established the organization as a recognized leader in food safety, labor and immigration, water, technology and innovation, international trade and many other areas impacting the viability of Western Growers members.
“Tom Nassif was the right leader at the right time for our organization and the industry,” said Ratto. “The strength and influence our association enjoys today is a credit to his intelligence, work ethic and personal charm. Our membership owes Tom a debt of gratitude for employing his fierce devotion and incomparable talents on our collective behalf.”
“My service to Western Growers and the fresh produce industry has been a fulfilling culmination to my career,” stated Nassif. “Every day since 2002, my inspiration has been derived from the hard-working, innovative and ethical family farmers who comprise our membership. I am proud of the major strides we have taken as an industry during my tenure, and it brings me great satisfaction knowing that the future of our association is secure in the hands of Dave Puglia.”
Puglia joined Western Growers in 2005 and currently serves as Executive Vice President, overseeing four departments in addition to the organization’s non-profit charitable foundation and its political action committees. He is also intimately involved in the internal operations of the organization. Prior to joining Western Growers, he was Vice President of APCO Worldwide, a global public affairs consulting firm, and previously served for seven years in the California Attorney General’s Office, first as Press Secretary and later as Director of Public Affairs and Communications.
About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. For generations we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.
For those agricultural commodities that are subject to the new Produce Safety Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act, water testing will be a key component in this adjustment. In some cases, these water testing requirements may include more than just what you are irrigating the crop with. Watch this brief interview with Tom Jones from the Safe Food Alliance as he clarifies these requirements.
Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at the following November Events: Tree & Vine Expo, the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo & Blue Diamond Growers Annual Membership Meeting.
It may surprise you to learn that wild potatoes grow like weeds in South America. While farmers in the United States battle weeds like pigweed and lamb’s quarters, farmers in the Andes Mountains have to keep weedy potatoes in check. These wild relatives of our potato varieties grow in agricultural fields and roadsides, as well as in forests and grasslands. They are found in amazingly diverse habitats, from ocean beaches to windswept alpine meadows. Some even grow in the knotholes of oak trees.
As you can imagine, wild potatoes must grow in these stressful environments without the aid of fertilizer, irrigation, or pesticides. Consequently, they are rich in genes that are useful for potato improvement, especially stress tolerance. Breeders usually refer to native, weedy versions of plants as “crop wild relatives.” Collecting and preserving this genetic diversity is crucial to today’s food supply.
In the Andes, local villagers eat potatoes daily, as part of their native diets. They have selected varieties for diverse tastes, textures, and cooking qualities. Cultivated potato relatives are also important to breeders. These land races are valuable sources of genes for culinary traits. The US Potato Gene Bank in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, maintains a large collection of wild and cultivated potatoes. My job is to find useful genes in the gene bank and bring them into cultivated potato so breeders can integrate them into their variety development programs.
My favorite wild potato, Solanum chacoense, carpets regions of the Chaco province of northern Argentina. It is one of the most broadly adapted wild potato species and has been collected extensively by scientists around the world. It carries a broad array of genes of interest to potato breeders. One clone in my program, named C545, has S. chacoense as a maternal grandparent. Another wild potato, S. berthaultii, is a paternal grandparent. C545 has resistance to several important diseases, including Verticillium wilt, potato virus Y, soft rot, common scab, and early blight.
There are now a wide variety of cultivated potatoes for consumers to choose from. Potatoes are the world’s fifth most grown crop, valued for its broad cooking ability and nutrition. Provided by Shelley Jansky.
Another wild potato important for breeding is Solanum berthaultii, which is found on forested and brushy hillsides from southern Bolivia through northwest Argentina. This species was named after the French agronomist Pierre Berthault. The most characteristic feature of S. berthaultii is the production of sticky hairs on its leaves. For this reason, it has been used in breeding as a source of insect resistance. The varieties “Prince Hairy” and “King Harry” are two specialty potato varieties with insect resistance genes from S. berthaultii. While wild potatoes typically produce small (dime-sized) tubers, hybrids between cultivated potatoes and S. berthaultii often produce large beautiful tubers.
Our most Verticillium wilt resistant breeding line, C287, features S. berthaultii as a grandparent on both sides of its pedigree. When I was a graduate student (a few decades ago!) I created and selected two clones that I named S438 and S440. These selections have S. berthaultii as a grandparent and have been used extensively as a source of improved processing quality in the development of new potato varieties.
Wild potatoes also contribute genes for traits related to cooking ability. S. chacoense is a great-grandparent of the cultivar Lenape, which is credited for laying the foundation for the development of cultivars used for making potato chips.
One type of South American cultivated (land race) potato is colloquially known as Phureja. These common land races are incredibly diverse for tuber traits such as skin color, flesh color, shape, size, and eye depth. Some Phureja selections produce tubers with very deep yellow flesh. Yukon Gold potatoes have Phureja as a grandparent.
Phureja varieties have been selected by South American farmers not only for unique tuber traits, but also for exceptional culinary quality. Our best sources of genes for improved flavor have been found in Phureja, which produces tubers that are more flavorful, creamy and savory than standard potato varieties. Those of us who are impatient cooks might also be interested to learn that some Phureja varieties are done in half the normal time needed to boil potatoes.
There are over 100 wild potato species and breeders have just scratched the surface for new variety development. As climate change and a growing population put additional strains on potato growers, we will continue to explore the possibilities offered by this rich genetic resource.
Answered by Shelley Jansky, USDA-ARS and UW-Madison
To read more about Dr. Jansky’s work, or to watch a video, click here.
AgSafe (agsafe.org), a leading provider of health and safety education to the agricultural community, has announced that President & CEO Amy Wolfe will be leaving the organization and that a search for her replacement is underway. Wolfe, who has led the organization for more than a decade, will vacate her position in June 2020.
“Amy has been a remarkable leader, and both our organization and the employers and workers that we serve owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude for her dedicated service and guidance,” said Don Winn, Board Chairman of AgSafe. “We’ve launched an exhaustive search to find the candidate best qualified to take the reins at AgSafe and continue our mission of providing practical health and safety education to the agricultural community.”AgSafe is leveraging many platforms in its search for a new president and CEO, whose responsibilities will include providing strategic direction for the organization, managing the AgSafe leadership team, ensuring regulatory compliance and representing the organization as its lead public spokesperson.“My work at AgSafe has been extremely fulfilling and rewarding,” said Wolfe. “It’s not easy to leave but doing so is the right thing for me and my family at this stage of life. And, I’ll move on knowing that this incredible organization is in good hands with an outstanding leadership team who will find an exceptional agriculture industry professional to take on the president/CEO role.”AgSafe is seeking candidates with backgrounds that include:
Minimum six to eight years of non-profit management and fund development experience, preferably within a comparable business environment
Expertise in occupational safety and health, human resources, agricultural business management and/or workforce development
Expertise in cultivating and stewarding partnerships and other collaborative business agreements
Strong communication skills including written, verbal and listening
Proven track record in fund and resource development, including traditional and emerging strategies
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with major course work in business administration/management, public policy and/or a related field
Professional certifications, licenses and/or accreditations specific to fund development, agriculture, human resources and/or occupational safety and health desirable
They must also exhibit leadership competencies that include confidence, organizational awareness, trustworthiness, initiative, optimism, empathy and achievement orientation. Interested parties can apply by sending a cover letter, resume and contact information for five individuals who can speak to their accomplishments and potential for success to:
AgSafe is a membership-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to provide practical health and safety education to the agricultural community. Founded in 1991 and based in Modesto, CA, our organization has trained over 75,000 employers, supervisors and farm workers in the most critical issues impacting worker safety, human resources, pesticide safety and food safety. Visit agsafe.org for more information.
Farmers are some of the best people on the planet. They work hard and do their very best to keep food on the table in homes all over the world. Like anyone though, sometimes they make mistakes too and can overlook some of the ever-changing laws and requirements for their farm employees, and end up in court over violations that could have been prevented. To keep farmers out of the court room, we have put together a series of three videos with simple tips and employee requirements featuring Ag Attorney Stacy Henderson, as shared in her presentation earlier this year at the annual Convention of the Almond Alliance of California. Watch these brief videos to help reduce liabilities on the farm.
Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at the following November Events: Tree & Vine Expo, the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo & Blue Diamond Growers Annual Membership Meeting.
About Western Growers:
